Animated ‘Spaceballs’ isn’t worth the time or money

In the 1987 Mel Brooks “Star Wars” parody “Spaceballs,” the character Yogurt (Mel Brooks, parodying Yoda), has a throwaway line: “God willing, we’ll all meet again in ‘Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money.'”

Well, “Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs: The Totally Warped Animated Adventures” seems to be that long-delayed sequel. It continues the adventures of Captain Lonestar, his Mawg Barf, Princess Vespa, Dot Matrix, Yogurt on the good side; President Skroob, Dark Helmet and Col. Sandurz for the wannabe evil Spaceballs of Planet Moron.

“Spaceballs” was a mildly funny movie that was about 10 years too late on its initial release, to paraphrase Roger Ebert. It’s something you can watch every few years or so and get a few good laughs.

“Spaceballs” the cartoon isn’t worth the initial effort. I sat through the first 25 minutes of the four episodes on this disc and gave up.

The animation style is similar to that of “South Park;” characters move around on the screen like they were stick-figures with animated mouths. They are a bit better drawn than “South Park,” but the woodenness of the animation is a bit off-putting. However that’s mild compared to the humor. There isn’t any.

The first episode I watched, “Outbreak,” had the Spaceballs planning a deadly plot to kill off all of their rivals by poisoning a cola soft drink with E-Coli and Ebola. It backfired on them because Dark Helmet shipped it all to Planet Moron instead. Lots of projectile vomiting on screen. Might be some off, if you’ve just eaten.

There are four of the 13 episodes produced (so far, according to Wikipedia) on this disc. If you really want to see them, I’d suggest going to the G4 cable channel. You won’t feel bad about spending the money to buy the disc (or rent it).

I’m sure there are people out there who enjoy this series; I’m not one of them. Sorry, Mel, but this one goes on the charity shelf.